Page 72 - Sick Drummer Magazine Issue 29 - Hannes Grossmann

To state that “Don’t Stop” which is about the constant struggle to realize your dreams, and the desire to quit that rears it’s ugly head every other day for us artists, may be more related to “GiveUp The Things You Do” than I thought. Maybe our constant attempts to achieve success are our addic- tions and our fixes, but we’ll ultimately never be content with it when it comes to us.”SDM: What has the reaction been from those who have listened and offered their thoughts?Mike: Everyone really digs it! I think some of the best feedback we’ve had is that some songs aren’t ‘radio friendly’ enough. Everyone else tells us they like the vibe, the power, the vocals, the production, the energy the music emanates. I’ll take it!SDM: What type of gear are you playing on live, and using in the studio? With your experience in the industry, what have you found to be the most reliable?Mike: I’ve been playing Yamaha my entire career. The kits are Stage Custom, Oak Custom and the Manu Katché Signature Jr. Kit, haha, bought it used as a practice kit and for small jazz gigs. Love it. Cymbals have been all over the map between Sabian and Zildjian, but I prefer heavier, darker sounds with bright attacks. Dark K crash and Constantinople Zildjian ride, and Hand Hammered or AAX Sabian crashes. I still haven’t found the right snare but I’m hoping the newest Studio Custom brass or aluminum will solve my woes. For the electronic vibes I’m running either a Novation Launchpad or Ableton Push, with Ableton Live; Live is also the timeline for programmed automationof a custom-built system lighting & video control system, involving ChamSys hardware and MagicQ software, as well as Vidvox’s VDMX for visuals.SDM: What’s next for Regal?Mike: We’re keeping a few steps ahead at all times which is exciting. When the Don’t Stop EP came out, we already had a good start on the next batch of songs and now the next EP is nearly ready for final demos and tracking. While we continue to release the Live at Creativ Studios performance videos, we’re working towards some live shows in and around Vancouver and, with any luck, some 360o experiments. I think VR is going to be a big part of the experience going forward and as a tech-purveyor myself, I’m pushing it on everything I’m doing lately. I think we could get some cool moments out there for people to enjoy.SDM: Any other news to share?Mike: I’m really excited for everyone to hear the new Devin Townsend Project album. It’s such a pleasure working with that group. I’m working away on my second personal release, the follow up tothe ProJect - Alchemist EP, so look out for that later this year! Check out Regal’s Live at Creativ Studios performance video series on YouTube, and support us by downloading the Don’t Stop EP at BandCamp!72st. jean cntd.